News release

Physical Activity Grants Approved

Office of Health Promotion (Jan. 2003 - May 2005)

More Nova Scotians are getting active with the help of programs supported by physical activity grants. The Office of Health Promotion has provided grants worth about $133,000 to 18 groups across the province to help get Nova Scotians swimming, walking, taking martial arts classes or doing other physical activities.

"These programs provide a wide variety of opportunities for Nova Scotian children, families and seniors to be active in their communities," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We encourage more organizations to apply right away so they too can provide physical activity opportunities for inactive Nova Scotians."

The Physical Activity Grant Program was started to support initiatives that create or increase participation in organized and unstructured forms of sport, physical recreation and active transportation. Programs should focus on people who are currently inactive and priority will be given to those which serve children and youth. There is a total of $500,000 available for Physical Activity Grants this year.

The first program to receive funding was Splash Back!. That program is designed to reach grade 4 and 5 students in targeted areas of the Halifax Regional Municipality, who otherwise would not have an opportunity to be active. These students will participate in water safety, swimming lessons and other activities in the pool. They will walk to and from the pool during school time.

"So far we have 92 children participating in Splash Back! and we should have well over 100 in the new year," said John Henry, director of aquatics for the Halifax Regional Municipality. "The program is going really well and we are delighted to have this opportunity."

Some of the other projects receiving funding throughout Nova Scotia include You GOAL Girls, in Colchester County, a program targeted at getting young girls more active; Participation Plus in Amherst, which promotes leadership and participation in outdoor sport activities; Little Dragon Fitness program in Sydney, which uses martial arts as the catalyst and motivator for fun and activity; and Healthy Lifestyle Club in Pictou County, which provides high school students with the opportunity to set personal health goals and work towards achieving them.

All of the approved initiatives, provide opportunities for physical activities including walking, team sports, biking and martial arts.

To apply for a grant, groups should contact the Office of Health Promotion's sport and recreation division by calling 1-866-231- 3882 or 902-424-7512. Staff will assist with the application process. More information can be found on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/ohp/srd/pagrants/index.htm .

Applications are reviewed as they are received and must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2005.

Note: A list of programs that have received funding follows:

CAPE BRETON REGION:

  • After School Physical Activity Program, Greenfield Elementary School, New Waterford -- $6,608
  • Little Dragon Fitness Program, Southend Community Development Association, Sydney -- $10,000
  • Summer Youth Track Club, Ceilidh Track Club, Port Hastings -- $4,200
  • Sydney Academy After School Program, Sydney Academy, Sydney -- $9,300

CENTRAL REGION:

  • 10,000 Steps, Millwood High School, Lower Sackville -- $6,500
  • Splash Back! Halifax Regional Municipality, Halifax -- $10,000
  • St. Joseph's Healthy Living Initiatives, St. Joseph's College, Halifax -- $6,500

FUNDY REGION:

  • Participation Plus, The Alpha Centre, Amherst -- $10,000
  • You GOAL Girls, Municipality of Colchester, Truro -- $9,280

HIGHLAND REGION:

  • Healthy Lifestyle Club, Pictou County Health Authority, New Glasgow -- $5,230
  • PLAY: Physical Lifestyles and Youth- Municipality of the District of St. Mary's, Sherbrooke -- $9,000

SOUTH SHORE REGION:

  • A Better Life, Shelburne County Adult Workshop and Residential Services, Shelburne -- $8,640
  • Booty Camp, Yarmouth YMCA, Yarmouth -- $2,108
  • Centre Consolidated Outdoor Activity Club, Bridgewater -- $5,639.56
  • On the Move, Shelburne Regional High School, Shelburne -- $5,788
  • Senior Fitness Program, Municipality of Chester, Chester -- $5,460

VALLEY REGION:

  • Girls Can Kayak, Pisiquid Aquatic Club, Falmouth -- $8,658.25
  • Novice Quick Start Program, Acadia Minor Hockey Association, Wolfville -- $10,000

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